US President Donald Trump has reiterated his stance on Iran’s nuclear program, emphasizing the need for its complete dismantlement. In a recent interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump was asked whether he aimed to limit or abolish Iran’s nuclear program. His response was unequivocal: “Total dismantlement. Yes, that is all I would accept.” Trump questioned the necessity of Iran’s nuclear technology for electricity generation, given its abundant oil reserves. He also expressed concerns that civilian nuclear energy could lead to military conflicts, stating, “Civilian [nuclear] energy often leads to military wars. And we don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon. It’s a very simple deal.”
The president’s remarks come amid postponed negotiations between the US and Iran, which were scheduled to take place in Oman. The fourth round of indirect talks was indefinitely delayed due to “logistical reasons,” according to Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi. The negotiations have been overshadowed by escalating tensions in Yemen, where the US and Britain have increased airstrikes against Houthi militants. The situation has further complicated the already volatile Middle East landscape, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to retaliate against the Houthis after a ballistic missile landed near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, injuring eight people.
The US withdrawal from the 2015 UN-backed deal on Iran’s nuclear program, which Trump initiated during his first term, has contributed to the current impasse. Tehran has denied violating the agreement and has since rolled back its commitments, increasing its stockpile of enriched uranium. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that the country will resist any “pressure and threat” from the US. As tensions continue to rise, the international community remains vigilant, awaiting the next developments in this complex and delicate situation. Trump’s stance on Iran’s nuclear program remains firm, with the president reiterating, “I just don’t want them to have a nuclear weapon because the world will be destroyed.” The fate of the negotiations and the future of Iran’s nuclear program hang in the balance, with far-reaching implications for global security and stability.
